Events
Discover What’s Happening at the Garden
Upcoming Special Events
Holiday Gift & Wreath Sale Fundraiser
Featuring handmade holiday gifts and decorations unlike anything you’ve seen!
- Saturday, November 22, 10am – 4pm
- Early entrance for Arboretum members: 9am-10am
Arboretum artists have been busy for months creating stunning succulent and dried flower wreaths and works of art for this enchanting Arboretum fundraiser. This is the only collection you will find that draws from the Arboretum’s rare and extraordinary collection of amazing plants! These items make the perfect gifts and decorations that will last throughout the holidays. In addition to beautiful wreaths and fantastic centerpieces made from Arboretum blossoms and foliage, offerings will include succulent and tillandsia driftwood pieces and terrariums, handmade colorful knitted mittens & scarves, stunning items created by local artisan woodworkers, dish gardens of all sizes, and more!
The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum is a 60-year-old treasure and beloved destination for the central coast and local community that seeks to inspire stewardship of the world’s biodiversity through research, education, and the conservation of rare, endangered, and extraordinary plants.
Members Only Special Events
We offer early garden access throughout the year and evening hours during the Summer months. Additional members-only special events are in the works. See more details below.
Upcoming Members Only Events:
Sunday, Oct. 5: Members Meeting 10am-12pm. Event Registration is CLOSED for this event.
Thursday, Oct. 16: Evening Members Hours – 5:30-7pm. Our recent newsletter said 7:30pm but we will be closing at 7pm for this final Evening Access of 2025.
First Tuesday Community Day
Visit the garden on our monthly Community Day with FREE ADMISSION – Only on the First Tuesday of each month. See our hours of operation below.
First Saturday Tours
Free to current members or with PAID Daily Admission, First Saturday Tours give you a great introduction to the Arboretum’s plant collections and the wildlife that depend upon them for food and shelter. Tours begin at 11am starting in the Visitor Parking Lot. (Rain cancels).
Our Recurring Events
There’s always something to do at the Arboretum.
Take part in one of the following recurring events:
- Evening Members Hours – Thursday, October 16, 5:30 – 7pm (last one for 2025)
- Annual Gift & Wreath Sale – Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 10am – 4pm
- First Saturday Tours – 11am on the first Saturday of each month (rain cancels)
- Community Day – on the first Tuesday of every month, admission is free to all visitors
- Volunteer! – Every week, volunteer gardening and weeding. See the Volunteer page
